Monday, January 28, 2013

As I'm still riding high on vests, I thought I'd use this chance to make one. I haven't worn this scarf in a while but I still really like it. It's soft, sort of pretty, but yeah.. mostly it's just soft. Also, with this winter being as cold as it is, I'm all for any new layers I can add under my coat!

Materials:-1 long(ish) scarf

Step 1: Cut scarf in half, then cut one of the halves in half.

Now you'll have 3 pieces that look like this:

Step 2: On the large piece, place double stick tape along the edge (on the bad side) that you just cut and fold. Set this aside until Step 6.

Step 3: Place double stick along one cut edge on each of the small pieces and fold.

Step 4: Now lay the smaller pieces one over the other with good sides together and pin down one of the long, vertical sides.

Step 5: Stitch straight down the side you just pinned. Then, open the scarf. Place on the machine with the good side facing up and stitch across the edges with double stick tape.

When you've finished, the scarf will look like this:

Step 6: Now you're ready to use the large piece. Stretch the large piece out flat on the floor. Fold in half to find the center point and mark with a pin. Then unfold.

Step 7: With the good sides together, lay the long piece over the two smaller ones, so that the seam is lined up with the pin. Pin across the edge where the pieces meet up.

Step 8: Stitch across. Now is also a good time to stitch the edge on the long piece with the double stick tape on it.

Step 8: Fold the long piece of scarf so the ends all meet up with the bottom of the smaller pieces and pin.

Step 9: Finish by running a 3" row of stitches along each side, from the bottom edge going up.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Happy 2013, everybody! My first project of this year is inspired by an amazing holiday gift I gave myself: the fleece cat vest lurking in the background of the "After" picture! I've been stalking this thing online for close to 6 months and finally decided I had to have it.

The vest is everything I hoped it be and more, but in my mind I was

wearing an outfit with it that looked a little more like this:

Even though these boots are 100% ok (in fact I just had them resoled a few months ago), I've just been kind of bored with them. Turning them into studded booties served the double purpose of getting me excited about these things again, while also providing the missing element in my imaginary outfit!

Also, I got an amazing new punch tool that I've been excited to use on a project, so studding the strap on these boots gave me the perfect chance to break it out! Now I have boots that feel like brand new and some cute pouches to match. Double win.

Boots

**One thing to note before getting started, if your boots are lined in fabric you will probably want to skip this project. This is great for unlined, leather, or suede lined boots. Other stuff, not so much.**

The next step is to figure out the placement for your studs. I had some screw studs on hand, so I needed to plan out pretty carefully where they'd be placed. (After you punch the hole it can't be undone!)

Step 2: Measure the length and width of the strap.

Step 3: Cut a piece of paper to the size of the strap and fold in half. Make punch marks into the folded paper and when you open it up, the spacing will be symmetrical. Add a last hole directly in the center of the fold line.

Step 4: Binder clip the pattern directly onto the strap and punch through the holes.

Step 5: Remove the pattern and put the screw post through the back of the strap, so that the post is facing out. Tightly screw on the tops.

When you've finished your boots will look like this.

The Pouch

You can stop right there if you want to, but do you seriously want to waste these beautiful boot tops when you can turn them into awesome pouches?? They're sturdy and beat up in just the right way.

Step 1: Cut off one of the pull straps by snipping off the outside and then the inside.

Step 2: On the other pull strap, snip it free only where it's sewn on in the inside. Cut the edge you just cut into a pleasing shape.

Step 3: Cut down the side of the boot top without the strap. This will help the pouch to close properly.

Step 4: Flip inside out, cut away the lining.

Step 5: Binder clip the two bottom corners, then make punch marks across the open bottom edge.
Step 6: Sew straight across into the holes you've just made.

When you've finished sewing your boot top will look like this.

*Note: I used a contrast thread so that it would appear more visible in the photograph, but you'll probably want to use a color that matches your leather.

Step 4: Finish by flipping inside out and giving it the closure of your choice. (I went with snaps, but a button will work just as well.)

Hi, I'm Kat! I live in Brooklyn where I work as an artist, accessories designer and teach tons of fashion classes, covering everything from shoe making and handbags to leather jewelry and fashion illustration. I am OBSESSED with recycled DIY and want everybody else to be, too! We Can Re-Do It is my attempt to convert the masses! I love combining scraps, various thrift store finds and whatever I happen to have around to transform them into new objects, that are better than they've ever been. There's no reason why upcycled projects shouldn't look like a million bucks (even when they're free).

I love to know what fabulous upcycling other crafters are up to! If you'd like me to feature some of your beautifully photographed projects feel free to email me at sateenduralux(at)gmail(dot)com.

WORKSHOPS

What's even better than crafting? Crafting with friends, of course! I'm frequently out and about sharing what I do at workshops, museums and with friends for private craft nights. If you or your organization would like to hire me to do an event, please send me an email at sateenduralux(at)gmail(dot)com.